New Ames special education director Thomas emphasizes 'system of supports' Ames Tribune Adaptations made necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to offer Ames special education students new ways to be more involved in classrooms with their peers or access services at home, according to the district's new director of special education. The district announced earlier in February that Deani Thomas would start July 1 in the role, replacing Darcy Cosens, who is retiring. Thomas said she started working for the district in 2002 at Ames Middle School, her first teaching job, and has been in special education ever since. She is currently a special education and Title I coordinator, which is a job she's held since 2019.